A new feature of the California Highway Patrol is a weekly roundup of notable incidents involving the CHP, listing their ‘top five’ stories.

For this past week, it includes a $600k drug bust, a new officer making a strong impact, a daring rescue, pedestrian safety, and some “braking” news.

Drug Trafficking Arrests

A traffic enforcement stop by the California Highway Patrol in Fresno County led to the arrest of two Oakland residents and the seizure of more than 45 pounds of illegal substances, which included methamphetamine and fentanyl. The case was turned over to the California Department of Justice’s High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT) and forwarded to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

New Officer Making An Impact

CHP Officer Rhonda Worthy, one of the six new officers assigned to the Oakland Area office, had made a difference early on in her career. With only one week into her field training, Officer Worthy has already made two arrests, assisted with a pursuit, responded to a fatal crash, and investigated a hit-and-run crash.

Daring Cliff Rescue

A bold search and rescue mission by the CHP and the San Francisco Fire Department led to the safe recovery of a hiker who had fallen off a cliff at Lands End – Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Footage from the incident shows the CHP’s Helicopter (H-30) lowering a San Francisco Fire Helicopter Rescue Technician to the scene and hoisting the injured hiker from the steep terrain.

Stepping Up For Safety

October is national pedestrian safety month. Always striving to keep the community safe, the CHP’s Merced Area office conducted a pedestrian safety operation in Merced. Officers in plain clothing monitored crosswalks, making sure motorists yield the right of way. Uniformed officers conducted enforcement stops promptly whenever they spotted violations. CHP Area offices are conducting similar operations throughout the state.

“Braking” News

The CHP’s Newhall Area conducted a multi-day speed enforcement operation that produced significant results. Officers issued 90 citations, including three citations for driving at speeds greater than 100 miles per hour and arrested one motorist for reckless driving. Remember, higher speeds reduce your ability to react to changing road conditions, increase the severity of a crash, and pose a significant risk to everyone on the road. Always adhere to posted speed limits and drive at safe and appropriate speeds for the conditions.